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Emperor's Palace Classic Postponement – Rider Safety Remains Paramount
They say Murphy's Law is "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, that sentiment rings true for the 17th edition of the Emperor's Palace Classic, originally set for Sunday, 23 March 2025.
De Villiers National Cycling has made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event. After meeting with EMPD precinct representatives yesterday, we were informed that due to the ongoing dispute between the EMPD and its employees — even with Labour Court involvement — management cannot guarantee the presence of EMPD staff to manage traffic and ensure rider safety on race day. The matter is set for further adjudication in the Labour Court on Thursday, 20 March 2025, and consensus is that a resolution is unlikely before the weekend.
For us, rider safety is non-negotiable. Without the necessary traffic control, hosting the event under these circumstances would be reckless and contrary to our values. While road damage along parts of the route was a challenge, we were ready to tackle this. The added uncertainty surrounding traffic management makes it impossible to proceed responsibly.
We understand the disappointment and frustration this brings — not just to the riders but to the entire cycling community. This marks the second event this year impacted by factors beyond our control, and we share in your dismay. That said, we’re determined to offer riders flexibility regarding their entries:
Automatic Transfer – Rider entries will automatically move to the new event date once finalized.
Entry to 2026 – Riders may choose to transfer their entry to next year’s edition of the Emperor’s Palace Classic.
Partial Refund – Riders who prefer not to wait can request a refund, acknowledging that significant costs have already been incurred in the event’s preparation, making a 50% refund appropriate.
In consultation with Cycling SA, we have secured Sunday, 2 November 2025 as the new date and are awaiting final confirmation from Emperor’s Palace. This date falls two weeks before the Ride Jo’burg event, making it ideal for final race prep. Riders wishing to transfer to 2026 or request a partial refund can contact our support team directly at devillierscycling@mweb.co.za.
De Villiers National Cycling deeply respects the ongoing efforts to resolve the EMPD’s internal matters and remains hopeful for a swift resolution. We look forward to welcoming riders back to a safer and more secure race day.
To every rider who has trained tirelessly, the sponsors who have shown unwavering support, and the cycling community that rallies behind this iconic event — we thank you for your patience and understanding. When the Emperor's Palace Classic returns, it will do so stronger than ever.
For further updates and to manage your entry, please visit MyActive.co.za.
De Villiers National Cycling
Committed to Safety, Dedicated to Cycling
